Incentives, Other Measures Introduced

Among bills introduced just before the recess was S-3180, to give agencies more direct hire authority while still prioritizing the hiring of veterans, allow higher pay rates for positions with recruitment and retention difficulties, and allow payment of recruitment, retention and relocation incentives for positions with difficult geographic circumstances such as isolation. Also introduced was HR-5790, to increase whistleblower protections for FBI employees, and HR-5625, to allow federal employees to be reimbursed for using ride-sharing services rather than taxis and similar transportation while on official travel.

Sponsored

The Department of Education’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness program offers federal employees and military personnel a way to reduce monthly loan payments and have the loan forgiven after 120 income-adjusted payments.